US Bridges

HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River

Fair

Hardin County, Iowa · 088221102 · Structure no. 000000000027310

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,286
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River in Hardin County, Iowa. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 67 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,286 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,286 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 359
CrossesS Fork Iowa River
Location088221102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHardin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.45257, -93.3848
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,286 (2022)
Projected traffic1,286 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River carry?

About 1,286 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 359 over S Fork Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.